Ashley is one of the very best in ability to play. I make no defence for the stupid things that he has done and said, but there are probably not very many who have heard him playing at his best. Most judge him by the crap that he plays for commercial purpose and that is a judgement made on partial evidence.
Most of the time when he plays in Cape Breton it is a different Ashley. If you could go to a square dance at Glencoe Mills or West Mabou and listen to Ashley and Howie MacDonald and Dave MacIsaac play together on some fast traditional jigs and reels it may leave you in awe.
Only available in in Cape Breton. A pity! :-}
                      Sandy